Mug & Hug / Escort for SPC Rob Kinslow

Ride Report for Ride Captain Kelly

Warriors Watch Riders joined with several other organizations and participants for the key ceremony when SPC Kinslow received the keys to a specially adapted home that was built for him with the help of Homes For Our Troops, many local businesses, plus the labor and dedication of many surrounding neighbors.

Rob was only two months into his first deployment in Afganistan when he was on a combat patrol near the Pakistan border.  His team was on a mission to search out aggressive Taliban forces in the mountainous area.  Attacked by a large group of Taliban fighters, SPC Kislow received five gunshots to his body causing multiple serious injuries.  Due to his wounds, his right leg required amputation.  His life was likely saved by his Kevlar vest as the two shots that hit it did no damage.  However his kevlar helmet was punctured by a bullet leaving him with TBI.  Despite his wounds, he took over the forward marksman position for a wounded teammate and continued fighting until a medic arrived.  He was carried to the top of the mountain where he was airlifted to the neares FOB, then later airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany.  He then went on to Walter Reed where he spent 29 months enduring surgeries and therapies while recuperating.  His treatments continue through his local VA hospital.

In September, we had the opportunity to meet Rob at a Welcome Home for Corey Stahler, a long time friend of Rob’s.  When Rob’s service and sacrifice for our freedoms became known, he humbly deflected fanfare saying, “This is Corey’s day.”  It goes without saying that it was with great pleasure that we celebrated Rob on a day dedicated to him.

Brian Unangst, a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association had been in contact with Homes For Our Troops throughout the build process and set up the escort.  You know it’s going to be a great day when so many show up before the actual rally time!  Rob himself was driven from the rally point to the key ceremony by Mario Andretti.  We also had a police escort and were accompanied by fire trucks; definitly a fine procession!

We arrived at SPC Kislow’s new home where a flag line had been set up beforehand and made our way to the tent.  Having gotten a chance to speak with Rob and get to know him, it was no surprise that this became a standing room only event.  During the ceremony I was able to present Rob with a flag that had been flown over our nation’s capital and to extend the WWR’s wishes that his home be filled with much happiness and peace.

After the ceremony, Rob, accompanied by his fiance Amanda Snyder and their beautiful son, cut the ribbon and we all took a tour of the home built for them